Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Mr. Fielding mentioned crime and people feeling safe, an issue which has come up in other presentations. Does he favour having more security personnel, not necessarily gardaí, on the streets? Every shopping centre has them and they are used in other countries, but they are not on the streets. Should we consider this as a recommendation?

Many activities in towns such as festivals take place at night when most shops are closed. Should more activities be scheduled to take place during the day or should shops open more frequently at night? In most towns there is late night shopping one or two nights a week. Does Mr. Fielding have an opinion on this issue based on studying abroad and so on?

The PRSI issue has come up a great deal in the past few weeks. If ISME conducted a campaign on the upcoming budget, is that where it would its efforts would lie? Must we examine this issue? Mr. Fielding has said a change should be implemented only for a few years. Should such a change be considered for only two or three years to give business a boost? Some of the recommendations are for the long term, but we also want to find quick solutions to help retailers in the near future.

Mr. Fielding honestly raised the issue of the reluctance of businesses to trade online. We do not know the reasons for this. What is his opinion? He suggested we conduct an in-depth review to find the reasons. We are lagging behind in this regard and I cannot put my finger on it. Does Mr. Fielding have an opinion or does he think we should prioritise an in-depth review to address the issue?

What is the best way to encourage town teams? Should it be done through offering financial assistance? If people come together, something will happen, but do they need a pot of money to back them? Mr. Fielding has cited what is happening in the United Kingdom. What is the best way to fast-track this concept and get the teams moving?